Alright, so I’m almost done sorting out the gremlins and wrapping up a suspension refresh on my 800 dollar 300E. It’s running fine, and now that we are aligned and all the rattles and shakes are fixed, it’s time to start thinking about the engine. I’ve looked through threads about turbocharging and I had a few basic questions:

1. On the M103 engine, if my target is between 350 and 400hp, I can keep the stock internals and fuel delivery system correct?

2. I only see three options for the turbo manifold. There’s a company that casts them out of Australia, retrofitting a diesel manifold, which based on the threads seems like a PITA, and the guys out of Poland that make an equal length manifold for a bit more. Are there any other options?

3. IS the differential up to the task of 300-400 crank hp? If not, what are the options?

4. I’ll probably grab a Dodge Ram turbo and rebuild, or just get a CX racing turbo, I know everyone hates the Chinese stuff, but I haven’t heard too much nastiness about CX racing, and this car and engine are overall pretty cheap so… anything else to consider?

I plan on ripping out the engine and at the very least a head job, and putting in new seals and etc. I’ll document my work on this thread.

Thanks!

Sounds like you should just buy a different car. ..e55?

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1993 e300
1995 e320
1994 e320
2006 s500 4matic
2004 Jeep wj overland
2001 Ducati 748
2004 Honda shadow aero

Hahah, just curious where you get that from the above?

A beat to hell E55 is about 10K - with unknown issues, a good one is closer to 20k.

I'm all-in on the W124 at around 2500 bucks with an entirely new suspension, refreshed subframe and all new bushings, new ignition system, new wheels and tires. Pulling out an engine and a head-job isn't going to add a ton to the cost, since I do all of the work, except the machine work.

A turbo, and manifold are.... a grand maybe? If I don't find a junkyard turbo and rebuild it?

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1986 Porsche 3.2 Carrera - 1987 W124 300E - 1999 Land Cruiser 100 - 2015 MKVII GTI - SLK32 AMG (sold) - 1998 3rd Gen 4Runner Limited (sold)